THE CAMP SURF LIFEGUARD SERVICE

We have safely operated our own lifeguard service since Camp Surf started running programs in 1971. As our programs have evolved, so has our guarding service, and we have been a United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) certified site since 2000.  We hire counselors and program instructors with a background in aquatic sports and safety, and put them through a comprehensive training. 

Please read on to learn more about the training our guards go through and the equipment and facilities we have on hand to keep our participants as safe as possible when participating in aquatic activities at YMCA Camp Surf!

GUARD TRAINING

Our lifeguard training is typically ten days long and integrates three important components that have a duel focus:  preventing incidents from occuring in the first place, but being prepared for any incident that could occur.

Physical Fitness and Ocean Skills

Each day begins with an intense workout including paddling, ocean swimming, running, or a combination of all three.  Each workout is designed to challenge the trainees' fitness levels, increase thier skills with equipment and familiarize them with the environment they will be working in: the camp surf waterfront, the rock jetties, and the Imperial Beach Pier.  All lifeguards at Camp Surf can complete an ocean swim of 600 yards (USLA requires only 500) in 10 minutes or less, and can run a mile in 8 minutes or less. 

40 Hour USLA Open Water Lifesaving Course

We cover the USLA Open water lifesaving manual, which includes everything from weather and ocean conditions to surveilance, communication, preventative lifeguarding and rescue techniques.  All theory is solidified by practical scenarios on our waterfront, and tested in a written exam.  

40 Hour ARC Emergency Response Course

The ARC Emergency Response course covers body systems and functions, potential complications and injuries, victim assessment, the Emergency Response system, and treatement.  This certification also includes certifcations in CPR, Oxygen administration, and use of AEDs.  Again, all skills are practiced in scenarios and there is a written test.

FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCES

Our lifeguards are well equiped to respond to any situation that may occur on our waterfront.  Guards carry personal equipment with them, and we have additional equipment on hand, either in our emergency vehicle that can drive on the beach or accessible on site.  We have the capacity to guard out of three seperate towers, as well as a 4 wheel drive SUV provide an additional vantage point, offer support and transport victims.   We also work with the Imperial Beach Lifeguarding Service to cover the area adjacent to our waterfront and can contact them for backup in case of emergency.

Each guard carries:

• rescue tube, whistle and swim fins
• basic first aid kit with CPR mask
• 2 way radio (communication with other guards and our office)

Readily available in vehicle or onsite:

• Crash bag with additional first aid equipment
• Additional CPR equipment
• Oxygen and airways
• AED (Automated External Defibulator)
• Rescue Board and additional flotation devices
• Open water Search and Rescue Equipment
• VHF Radio contact with Imperial Beach Lifeguard Service
• Emergency Cell Phone (communication with other agencies and 911)

Please feel free to contact us with any questions about our aquatic programming or lifeguarding at Camp Surf.

Gil Olsen

Waterfront Coordinator

golsen@ymca.org

619-423-5850

CAMP SURF

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